Grey Eagle City • March 8, 2016

These are unapproved minutes.
The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Jim Gohman at 7:00 p.m., on the 8th day of March, 2016 in council chambers. Council members present were Thom Muellner, Roland Ahrendt and Joe Arnzen. Council member Ralph Muellner was absent. Also in attendance were Chico Hellmann, Lori Hellmann and guest Sheriff Don Asmus.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Joe Arnzen to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2016 meeting as written. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held with Sheriff Don Asmus regarding the numerous complaints being received regarding semi-trucks and reefer trailers running or idling next to residential homes. Residents in the affected areas are frustrated that nothing is being done. Sheriff Don Asmus stated that the only way to really address the issue is by adopting an ordinance regulating how long a truck or reefer trailer may idle or run. The council realizes that the trucking industry provides a great service, however attempts have been made asking drivers to limit the running or idling of their equipment with no real change. As a result, the council will be forced to work with the City Attorney to draw up an ordinance regulating the idling or running of semi-trucks and reefer trailers within the city. The Clerk was instructed to contact the City Attorney to see if a draft ordinance can be ready for the April meeting.
The following water, wastewater maintenance items were discussed:
1. The city truck on the driver’s side is rusting. Mike Shabel estimated it would cost approximately $1,000 to take care of the rust. A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the repairs to the city truck at Shabel’s Auto Body for approximately $1,000. A second was made by Joe Arnzen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
2. Chico Hellmann attended the Minnesota Rural Water Conference where he tested for the Class D wastewater licensure. It will be a couple of weeks before he receives any results.
3. Chico Hellmann reported that the pump at the East Lift Station has been repaired. A claim was submitted to the city’s insurance for possible reimbursement.
4. Chico Hellmann is working with Matt Zinniel to get estimates for seal coating and crack sealing of city streets.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to appoint Chico Hellmann, Maintenance Supervisor and Lori Hellmann, City Clerk as Wellhead Protection Managers. A second was made by Joe Arnzen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Joe Arnzen to approve Resolution No. 2016-04, A Resolution Accepting $2,500 Donation from the Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Club for Race on Trace Trophies. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The above stated resolution may be read in its entirety at the Clerk’s office.
Mayor Jim Gohman gave an update on the property clean up at 304 State Street East. There is work being done to install a door on the east side of the building. Supports are being installed as they go. There has been some plumbing for bathrooms and some heating has been installed. There have been many items that were hauled away. Once the east side of the building is opened up, any dismantling will be done inside. The property will be blocked off so nobody will have access. The City has an easement that goes back to the old football field. That easement will be honored for city purposes only and not for public use.
Mayor Jim Gohman read a letter from a resident requesting a temporary variance on the two dog limit. They had three dogs prior to moving into the city and cannot choose between them. The dogs all have current vaccinations and are contained to the property or on leashes. A motion was made by Joe Arnzen to approve a temporary variance for the keeping of three dogs. Should one of the dogs pass away, they would be required to abide by the two dog limit as ordinance stipulates. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Clerk was instructed to proceed with delinquent utilities as allowed by ordinance.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the various fund transfers as follows: $197.70 from the Sewer Fund to the Sewer Rehab Fund, $748.26 from the Fire Fund to the Fire Hall Debt Service Fund and $104.38 from the General Fund of which $40.38 goes to the Water Fund and $64 goes to the Sewer Fund for Fire Hall and Library utilities. A second was made by Joe Arnzen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to pay the bills as listed and to include the payment of the additional items as follows: $102 to Larry Brake, $2,143.00 to Minnesota Power, $55 to Minnesota Pollution Control, $9,721.57 to Central Minnesota Credit Union, $7,252.65 to Central Minnesota Credit Union, $5,113.53 to Central Minnesota Credit Union, $15,861.55 to Central Minnesota Credit Union, and $20,457.32 to Central Minnesota Credit Union. A second was made by Joe Arnzen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The next regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in council chambers.
Lori Hellmann, City Clerk